Reviewed by Johnny McNair

Universal Studios Home Entertainment – 129 mins – 2006 – Rated R – 1080p Widescreen 2.35: 1 – DTS-HD Lossless Master 5.1 Audio

Love him or hate him, Spike Lee has definitely made his mark as one of the strongest filmmakers in the game. Whether it is his early films such as She’s Gotta Have It or Do The Right Thing, to his bio-pic of Malcolm X, Spike Lee is an artist who never holds back what he thinks, which is one of the reasons Hollywood shies away from him. Inside Man is Spike Lee’s most mainstream movie to date, with all of the studio film bells and whistles. And it shows that he can deliver the same type of entertainment as the other guys out there while still adding his two cents. Inside Man comes to Blu-ray from Universal Home Entertainment, and is recommended for anyone who loves a good crime thriller.

THE MOVIE

Inside Man stars Denzel Washington as New York City Detective Keith Fraizer, who is in charge of handling a bank robbery that has unfolded into a hostage scenario, led by a brilliant thief named Dalton Russell (Clive Owen). Fraizer quickly realizes that this is not an ordinary ‘negotiate and get them out alive scenario’ when Russell keeps playing games that makes it much harder for the detective to end the situation quickly. Things get much more complex for Fraizer when he has to deal with a relentless powerbroker named Madeleine White (Jodie Foster), who arrives to get a mysterious item from the bank’s safety deposit box for her high profile client.

What at first seems like the typical bank heist movie turns into something more, thanks to a sharp script by Russell Gewirtz and superior performances by Washington, Owen and Foster who all command your attention whenever they’re on the screen. Credit should also go to the supporting cast, which includes Chiwetel Ejiofor as Washington’s partner and Christopher Plummer as a powerful businessman with a dark past, and a nice cameo by Willem Dafoe . Being that this is a Spike Lee film, New York City itself also an essential character in the movie, and Lee keeps things moving with various small characters such as racist cops, sassy women, and ethnic humor that you can only understand if you’re a true New Yorker such as myself.

Lee adds his own touch to the film using some of the shots he’s used in some of his other films, such as placing the character directly on the camera dolly and moving them around to create a chaotic moment. He also inserts doses of his personal commentary into the mix, including mocking violent videogames such as Grand Theft Auto, and how police office can’t tell the difference between someone of Indian descent from someone who is Middle Eastern, so they lump all together as terrorist.

The best thing about Inside Man is that it never succumbs to unleashing an over-the-top action sequence, or turn anyone into a lethal weapon; instead it stays smart from beginning to end. Mind games are used for effect rather than bullets and explosions, which is refreshing and in many ways, a lot more satisfying. Any fan of thrillers such as The Usual Suspects or L.A. Confidential should definitely add Inside Man to there must see list. Great performances as well as a solid story are very hard to come by in today’s movies, so when something comes along like Inside Man, you jump on it.

VIDEO

Presented in full 1080p in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, Inside Man looks great and is a huge leap from the standard DVD’s image. Colors are sharp and the accuracy of detail on the actor’s faces is superb. Spike Lee loves New York, so obviously he shows it off, with great shots that highlight the city. Even scenes that go deep inside the darker areas of the bank display well, and even thought there is grain, it blends in to deliver a standout image.

AUDIO

Offering a DTS-HD 5.1 sound mix, Inside Man matches it’s image quality in superiority.  Dialogue sounds crisps, and elements such as the crowd outside the bank sound as if you’re on the scene. Denzel Washington has a commanding voice, and here you can hear it in full clarity. Lee’s films are also known for there music, and Inside Man is no exception because Terence Blanchard’s score adds an edge to the film that keeps in pace with the twisting plot. Those who will settle for nothing less than perfect audio in their films will be very satisfied.

*(NOTE: Universal was set to release Inside Man on May 26th, but due to an audio defect on the Blu-ray, a new disc was re-issued and the audio issue has been fixed. If the back cover of your Blu-ray for Inside Man is highlighted in the color red, then you have the correct version).

EXTRAS

All of the bonus material from the standard DVD has been carried over to the Blu-ray, and even though there’s not a huge list of selections, it’s a case of quality over quantity.

Spike Lee offers an audio commentary track, and as a man who never holds back his opinions, Lee goes all over the map, not only talking about happenings on the set, but also dealing with the mega studio Hollywood system. This is definitely worth listening to.

The Making of Inside Man clocks in at about ten minutes and is way too short, because after seeing this film you’ll want to know more about it.

Number 4 is and interview between Denzel Washington and Spike Lee talking about working together again on Inside Man, which is their fourth movie together.

A collection of deleted and alternate scenes wrap up the package, and unlike most deleted scenes they toss onto Blu-rays, there are actually a few scenes worth watching.

BOTTOM LINE

Inside Man is a winner on Blu-ray offering excellent picture and sound, and for just over being a damn good movie. Fans of Spike Lee’s work will see that he can pull off a big studio film, and if you like Denzel Washington, he definitely doesn’t disappoint here. Inside Man makes a great addiction to your Blu-ray collection.

SCORES: (Out of 5):

The Movie: 4.0

Video: 4.0

Sound: 4.0

Extras: 3.0

Bottom Line: 4.0